Karoo Continental Flood Basalt Research Articles

Olivine in picrites from continental flood basalt provinces classified using machine learning

Abstract Picrites, dominantly composed of highly forsteritic olivine, can serve as important constraints on primary magma composition and eruption dynamic processes in global continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces. Picrites are commonly divided into high-Ti and low-Ti groups based on whole-rock TiO2 content or Ti/Y ratio. Here, we use an artificial neural network (ANN) to classify the individual olivine in picrites from global CFB provinces according to whether their parental magma is high-Ti or low-Ti to better understand the primary origin and magmatic processes. After training the ANN on 1000 olivine major element compositions data points, the network was able to differentiate chemical patterns for high-Ti and low-Ti olivine and classify olivine into correct types with an accuracy of >95%. Moreover, we find that two types of olivine mix in some single samples from Etendeka, Emeishan, and Karoo CFB provinces. Combining the results with chemical markers of source lithology, we suggest that the two types of olivine originate from two different sources and their olivine populations mixed during the ascent. This mixing then makes the spatial and temporal variation of picrites types in some CFB provinces unclear.

Karoo lava-fed deltas and a petrified forest from the Lower Jurassic of southern Gondwana

Palaeoenvironmental changes during continental flood basalt volcanism in large igneous provinces are increasingly linked to global environmental perturbations. Whilst the geology of the Karoo-Ferrar continental flood basalts, including their eruption history, mode of emplacement, timing, geochemistry, palaeomagnetism, has been described, and the causal link of this massive volcanic event to global climate trends and the mass extinction as well as oceanic anoxia near the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary is established, little is known about the dynamics of the southern African palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate at that time. This study is focused on a field investigation of the uppermost Karoo Supergroup, which accumulated in the changing Early Jurassic palaeo-landscapes of southern Gondwana. Using well-exposed successions in southwestern Lesotho, we document evidence of a humid phase at the onset of Karoo volcanism in the central part of the main Karoo Basin. The studied interval encompasses the conformable contact of the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian Clarens Formation and the Pliensbachian–Toarcian flood basalts in the lower Drakensberg Group. Facies changes in the succession provide evidence for shifts in the ancient landscape and in the associated subaerial and subaqueous conditions. Specifically, the facies suggest a climatic change from a dry desert setting with large, down-wind migrating sand dunes to a wetter desert ecosystem in the Late Pliensbachian. The latter sustained a fairly diverse biota of land-dwelling organisms, which included herbaceous and wooded areas where the diametre of gymnospermous tree trunks was in excess of 50 cm. The earliest flood basalts comprise massive basalt lava flows and up to ~10-m-thick foreset-bedded pillow lavas. These show that during the initial outpouring of the Karoo continental flood basalts, the land surface was locally covered by streams and lakes into which the earliest basaltic lavas flowed forming lava-fed deltas in the Late Pliensbachian.

Geochemical evidence of mixing between A‐type rhyolites and basalts from Southern Lebombo, South Africa: Implications for evolution of the Northern Karoo Igneous Province

The ~183 Ma Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB), southern Africa, formed during a period of major crustal extension prior to Gondwana breakup. To explain the ‘lithospheric contamination’ observed in its whole‐rock chemical and isotopic data various models have been proposed, such as different subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) sources or interaction between a mantle plume and SCLM or subducted material. A re‐assessment of data in the literature from the Northern Karoo Province, combined with new petrographic, whole‐rock chemical and Sr‐Nd isotopic data of basaltic and dacite/trachydacite samples from the southern Lebombo suggest that chemical diffusion between low‐Ti basaltic/picritic magmas and high‐SiO2 rhyolite parent melt may have caused this ‘lithospheric contamination’. Such slow chemical diffusion, which is posited to have developed during formation of this CFB, can explain the bimodal Karoo basalt‐rhyolite association, the wide variation in SiO2 content (~62–78 wt%) in the dacite/rhyolites, and variable 87Sr/86Sr (183 Ma) and ɛNd (183 Ma) isotope ratios of the Karoo picrites and basalts (0.7037 to 0.7102; 3.58 to −33.52, respectively) and dacites/rhyolites (0.7032 to 0.7152; 0.44 to −17.19). The intermediate incompatible trace element and isotopic compositions of the Karoo high‐Ti basalt/picrite suggest that these rocks could have evolved by magma mixing through chemical diffusion. Our geochemical model for the northern Karoo CFB province involves existence of a voluminous hot (>1,000°C) low‐Ti basaltic magma chamber with remnant picritic melts at shallow crustal depth (~4 km) during major crustal extension. Magma storage was relatively protracted, resulting in significant volumes of partial melt of the surrounding granitoids of the Kaapvaal Craton under relatively anhydrous condition, leading to generation of A‐type high‐SiO2 rhyolite parent magma at pressure of ~1.5 kbar and temperature of ~930°C. This was followed by chemical diffusion of selected elements [LREE, HFSE, and some LILE (K, Rb, Ba, Pb)] and self‐diffusion of Sr and Nd isotopes in these two melts, which generated the observed litho‐type variations in Karoo CFB.

Luenha picrites, Central Mozambique – Messengers from a mantle plume source of Karoo continental flood basalts?

We present geochemical and isotopic (Nd, Sr) data for a picrite lava suite from the Luenha River and adjacent areas in Mozambique. The Luenha picrites represent a previously unknown type of picrites related to the Karoo large igneous province (LIP) and are distinguished by their notably low TiO2 contents (0.3–1.0 wt%) and coupling of high Nb/Y with low Zr/Y and Sm/Yb. Relatively high CaO and low Zn/Fe point to a peridotitic mantle source. Contamination-sensitive incompatible element ratios show that one lava flow is likely to be uncontaminated by the crust and its composition suggests a mantle source with primitive mantle-like incompatible element ratios and mildly depleted isotopic ratios (initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7041 and εNd = +1.4 at 180 Ma). The primary melts of the Luenha picrites had MgO contents in the range of 13–21 wt%. Our preferred estimate for a primary melt composition (MgO = 18 wt%) resembles experimental melts of fertile mantle peridotite at 3–4 GPa and indicates liquidus temperature of 1445–1582 °C. Geochemical similarities suggest the Luenha picrites were generated from the same overall primitive mantle-like reservoir that produced the main volume of Karoo flood basalts in the Karoo, Kalahari, and Zambezi basins, whereas the previously identified enriched and depleted (upper) mantle sources of Karoo picrite suites (Mwenezi, Antarctica) were subordinate sources for flood basalts. We propose that the Luenha picrites record melting of a hot, chemically primitive mantle plume source that may have been rooted in the sub-African large low shear velocity province boundary and that such a source might have been the most significant magma source in the Karoo LIP.

Primary hydrous minerals from the Karoo LIP magmas: Evidence for a hydrated source component

Large Igneous Provinces mark important and consequential events that span almost the entirety of the Earth's history. These punctuated geologically significant events that include earth processes from the core to the atmosphere have been linked to climate changes, mass extinctions, and even large-scale tectonic shifts. To begin to understand the role LIPs play in these important moments across Earth's lifespan, a thorough understanding of how they form in the first place is imperative. The ∼180 Ma Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) Province has been heavily studied with one of the largest geochemical and geochronological databases available for a CFB; providing an excellent avenue to study in detail the petrogenesis of these large collections of magma. However, despite this large dataset, the origin of the Karoo CFBs is still debated, with many different and conflicting models proposed. Disparities in these models can often be traced down to the degree of influence a plume and/or the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) had during the genesis of this magmatic province. Nine sills intruded into the Western Cape Province of the Karoo Basin were investigated using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology, whole rock geochemistry, and Sr, Nd, Pb isotopes. Five of these sills are peculiar as they contain hydrated minerals (biotite and hornblende), an unusual feature for Karoo basaltic rocks. Biotite and/or hornblende separates yielded statistically indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar ages as plagioclase separates; indicating that the biotite and hornblende found within these samples are primary features requiring that water was present in the magma during the crystallization of those sills. Major and trace element geochemistry place these rocks into the low-Ti suite of the Karoo CFBs. Trace elements indicate the involvement of fluids over sediment within the source region for these Karoo magmas. All samples from the Western Cape Province display enriched Sr–Nd–Pb initial values with large variations in elemental concentrations for a restricted range of isotopic ratios. Assimilation models indicate these enriched isotopic contents and observed trends are not the result of crustal contamination and are representative of the composition of the source. The trace element and isotopic geochemistry as well as the primary hydrated minerals indicate that water present in the system at the time of formation came directly from one of the mantle sources, supporting the hypothesis that the SCLM was metasomatized by fluids plausibly as a result of the Proterozoic Kibaran Orogeny and/or the Permian Cape Orogeny. This first direct evidence of water within the mantle sources of tholeiitic CFBs, until now only theorized and modeled, potentially changes the fundamentals in how we approach our considerations of CFB generation as a whole.

Enrichment of 18O in the mantle sources of the Antarctic portion of the Karoo large igneous province

Karoo continental flood basalt (CFB) province is known for its highly variable trace element and isotopic composition, often attributed to the involvement of continental lithospheric sources. Here, we report oxygen isotopic compositions measured with secondary ion mass spectrometry for hand-picked olivine phenocrysts from ~ 190 to 180 Ma CFBs and intrusive rocks from Vestfjella, western Dronning Maud Land, that form an Antarctic extension of the Karoo province. The Vestfjella lavas exhibit heterogeneous trace element and radiogenic isotope compositions (e.g., εNd from − 16 to + 2 at 180 Ma) and the involvement of continental lithospheric mantle and/or crust in their petrogenesis has previously been suggested. Importantly, our sample set also includes rare primitive dikes that have been derived from depleted asthenospheric mantle sources (εNd up to + 8 at 180 Ma). The majority of the oxygen isotopic compositions of the olivines from these dike rocks (δ18O = 4.4–5.2‰; Fo = 78–92 mol%) are also compatible with such sources. The olivine phenocrysts in the lavas, however, are characterized by notably higher δ18O (6.2–7.5‰; Fo = 70–88 mol%); and one of the dike samples gives intermediate compositions (5.2‒6.1‰, Fo = 83–87 mol%) between the other dikes and the CFBs. The oxygen isotopic compositions do not correlate with radiogenic isotope compositions susceptible to crustal assimilation (Sr, Nd, and Pb) or with geochemical indicators of pyroxene-rich mantle sources. Instead, δ18O correlates positively with enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements (especially K) and 187Os. We suggest that the oxygen isotopic compositions of the Vestfjella CFB olivines primarily record large-scale subduction-related metasomatism of the sub-Gondwanan mantle (base of the lithosphere or deeper) prior to Karoo magmatism. The overall influence of such sources to Karoo magmatism is not known, but, in addition to continental lithosphere, they may be responsible for some of the geochemical heterogeneity observed in the CFBs.

Emplacement of inflated P\u0101hoehoe flows in the Naude\u2019s Nek Pass, Lesotho remnant, Karoo continental flood basalt province: use of flow-lobe tumuli in understanding flood basalt emplacement

Physical volcanological features are presented for a 710-m-thick section, of the Naude’s Nek Pass, within the lower part of the Lesotho remnant of the Karoo Large Igneous Province. The section consists of inflated pāhoehoe lava with thin, impersistent sedimentary interbeds towards the base. There are seven discreet packages of compound and hummocky pāhoehoe lobes containing flow-lobe tumuli, making up approximately 50% of the section. Approximately 45% of the sequence consists of 14 sheet lobes, between 10 and 52-m-thick. The majority of the sheet lobes are in two packages indicating prolonged periods of lava supply capable of producing thick sheet lobes. The other sheet lobes are as individual lobes or pairs, within compound flows, suggesting brief increases in lava supply rate. We suggest, contrary to current belief, that there is no evidence that compound flows are proximal to source and sheet lobes (simple flows) are distal to source and we propose that the presence of flow-lobe tumuli in compound flows could be an indicator that a flow is distal to source. We use detailed, previously published, studies of the Thakurvadi Formation (Deccan Traps) as an example. We show that the length of a lobe and therefore the sections that are ‘medial or distal to source’ are specific to each individual lobe and are dependent on the lava supply of each eruptive event, and as such flow lobe tumuli can be used as an indicator of relative distance from source.

Discriminating between pyroxenite and peridotite sources for continental flood basalts (CFB) in southern Africa using olivine chemistry

Continental Flood Basalts (CFB) result from voluminous outpourings of magma that often precede continental break-up. Notwithstanding the petrogenetic importance of CFBs, the nature of the mantle source for such magmas is contentious, particularly with regard to picrites with Ni-rich olivine phenocrysts. Previous studies have suggested that Ni-rich olivines associated with plume volcanism in regions of thickened (>90 km) lithosphere are related to either source mineralogy differences (peridotite versus pyroxenite) or change in olivine-melt partitioning due to pressure increase. In order to evaluate these two hypotheses, we present trace element data for olivines from the Karoo CFB Tuli and Mwenezi picrites and the Etendeka CFB Horingbaai/LTZ-L type picrites, all of which erupted in regions of thickened (>90 km) lithosphere in southern Africa. Karoo picrite olivines are Ni-rich, Ca- and Mn-poor, and have low (<1.4) 100*Mn/Fe. These compositions are consistent with a pyroxenitic source. Etendeka Horingbaai/LTZ-L picrite olivines do not show Ni-enrichment, but are characterized by high Al and Cr, and high (>1.4) 100*Mn/Fe, which is more consistent with high temperature melting of a dominantly peridotitic source. We also show that the Karoo and Etendeka olivines are characterized by distinct Mn/Zn ratios of <13 and >15, respectively.In addition, bulk rock geochemical data compilations and previously reported olivine δ18O for Karoo and Etendeka CFBs are discussed in order to further constrain source components based on previously described pyroxenite melt geochemical indices such as MgO–CaO systematics, FeO/MnO, Zn/Fe, and FC3MS (FeO/CaO–3*MgO/SiO2). These geochemical indices suggest a pyroxenite-dominated source for Karoo CFBs as well as for Etendeka ferropicrites whereas a peridotite-dominated source is indicated for Etendeka Horingbaai/LTZ-L type picrites analyzed in this study. Based on our data, Ni-enrichment of olivine in plume-related magmas in regions of thickened lithosphere in southern Africa is not ubiquitous. We therefore suggest that mineralogical variation of the source is a more likely major control of olivine chemistry and parent melt variations for Karoo and Etendeka CFBs. We also show that olivine Mn–Zn correlations are a useful discriminator for source variation and recommend the use of olivine Mn/Zn<13 for a pyroxenite-dominated source relative to olivine Mn/Zn>15 for a peridotite-dominated source.

Deep mixing of mantle melts beneath continental flood basalt provinces: Constraints from olivine-hosted melt inclusions in primitive magmas

We present major and trace element compositions of 154 re-homogenised olivine-hosted melt inclusions found in primitive rocks (picrites and ferropicrites) from the Mesozoic Paraná–Etendeka and Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces. The major element compositions of the melt inclusions, especially their Fe/Mg ratios, are variable and erratic, and attributed to the re-homogenisation process during sample preparation. In contrast, the trace element compositions of both the picrite and ferropicrite olivine-hosted melt inclusions are remarkably uniform and closely reflect those of the host whole-rocks, except in a small subset affected by hydrothermal alteration. The Paraná–Etendeka picrites and ferropicrites are petrogenetically related to the more evolved and voluminous flood basalts, and so we propose that compositional homogeneity at the melt inclusion scale implies that the CFB parental mantle melts were well mixed prior to extensive crystallisation.The incompatible trace element homogeneity of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in Paraná–Etendeka and Karoo primitive magmatic rocks has also been identified in other CFB provinces and contrasts with findings from studies of basalts from mid-ocean ridges (e.g. Iceland and FAMOUS on the Mid Atlantic Ridge), where heterogeneity of incompatible trace elements in olivine-hosted melt inclusions is more pronounced. We suggest that the low variability in incompatible trace element contents of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in near-primitive CFB rocks, and also ocean island basalts associated with moderately thick lithosphere (e.g. Hawaii, Galápagos, Samoa), may reflect mixing along their longer transport pathways during ascent and/or a temperature contrast between the liquidus and the liquid when it arrives in the crust. These thermal paths promote mixing of mantle melts prior to their entrapment by growing olivine crystals in crustal magma chambers. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions of ferropicrites from the Paraná–Etendeka and Karoo CFB have the least variable compositions of all global melt inclusion suites, which may be a function of their unusually deep origin and low viscosity.

Low-3He/4He sublithospheric mantle source for the most magnesian magmas of the Karoo large igneous province

The massive outpourings of Karoo and Ferrar continental flood basalts (CFBs) ∼180 Ma ago mark the initial Jurassic rifting stages of the Gondwana supercontinent. The origin and sources of these eruptions have been debated for decades, largely due to difficulties in defining their parental melt and mantle source characteristics. Recent findings of Fe- and Mg-rich dikes (depleted ferropicrite suite) from Vestfjella, western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, have shed light on the composition of the deep sub-Gondwanan mantle: these magmas have been connected to upper mantle sources presently sampled by the Southwest Indian Ocean mid-ocean ridge basalts (SWIR MORBs) or to high 3He/4He plume-entrained non-chondritic primitive mantle sources formed early in Earth's history. In an attempt to determine their He isotopic composition and relative contributions from magmatic, cosmogenic, and radiogenic He sources, we performed in-vacuo stepwise crushing and melting analyses of olivine mineral separates, some of which were abraded to remove the outer layer of the grains. The best estimate for the mantle isotopic composition is given by a sample with the highest amount of He released (>50%) during the first crushing step of an abraded coarse fraction. It has a 3He/4He of 7.03±0.23 (2σ) times the atmospheric ratio (Ra), which is indistinguishable from those measured from SWIR MORBs (6.3–7.3 Ra; source 3He/4He ∼6.4–7.6 Ra at 180 Ma) and notably lower than in the most primitive lavas from the North Atlantic Igneous Province (up to 50 Ra), considered to represent the epitome magmas from non-chondritic primitive mantle sources. Previously published trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, and Pb) compositions do not suggest a direct genetic link to any modern hotspot of Indian or southern Atlantic Oceans. Although influence of a mantle plume cannot be ruled out, the high magma temperatures and SWIR MORB-like geochemistry of the suite are best explained by supercontinent insulation of a precursory Indian Ocean upper mantle source. Such a model is also supported by the majority of the recent studies on the structure, geochronology, and petrology of the Karoo CFBs.

Depleted Mantle-sourced CFB Magmatism in the Jurassic Africa–Antarctica Rift: Petrology and 40Ar/39Ar and U/Pb Chronology of the Vestfjella Dyke Swarm, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

The Jurassic Vestfjella dyke swarm at the volcanic rifted margin of western Dronning Maud Land represents magmatism related to the incipient Africa–Antarctica rift zone; that is, rift-assemblage magmatism of the Karoo continental flood basalt (CFB) province. Geochemical and Nd–Sr isotopic data for basaltic and picritic dyke samples indicate diverse low-Ti and high-Ti tholeiitic compositions with εNd(180 Ma) ranging from +8 to –17. Combined with previously reported data on a subcategory of ferropicritic dykes, our new data facilitate grouping of the Vestfjella dyke swarm into seven geochemically distinct types. The majority of the dykes exhibit geochemical affinity to continental lithosphere and can be correlated with two previously identified chemical types (CT) of the wall-rock CFB lavas and are accordingly referred to as the CT1 and CT3 dykes. The less abundant Low-Nb and High-Nb dykes, a relatively enriched subtype of CT3 (CT3-E) dykes, and dykes belonging to the depleted and enriched ferropicrite suites represent magma types found only as intrusions. The chemically mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-like Low-Nb and the depleted ferropicrite suite dykes represent, respectively, relatively high- and low-degree partial melting of the same overall depleted mantle (DM)-affinity source in the sublithospheric mantle. In contrast, we ascribe the chemically ocean island basalt (OIB)-like High-Nb dykes and the enriched ferropicrite suite dykes to melting of enriched components in the sublithospheric mantle. Geochemical modelling suggests that the low-Ti affinity CT1 and CT3, and high-Ti affinity CT3-E magma types of Vestfjella dyke may predominantly result from mixing of DM-sourced Low-Nb type magmas with <10 wt % of crust- and lithospheric mantle-derived melts. U/Pb zircon dating confirms synchronous emplacement of CT1 dykes and Karoo main-stage CFBs at 182·2 ± 0·9 and 182·2 ± 0·8 Ma, whereas two 40Ar/39Ar plagioclase plateau ages of 189·2 ± 2·3 Ma (CT1) and 185·5 ± 1·8 Ma (depleted ferropicrite suite), and a mini-plateau age of 186·9 ± 2·8 Ma (CT3-E) for the Vestfjella dykes raise the question of whether the onset of rift-zone magmatism could predate the province-wide c. 179–183 Ma main stage of Karoo magmatism. Notably variable Ca/K spectra suggest that younger 40Ar/39Ar plagioclase plateau ages of 173, 170, 164, and 154 Ma are related to crystallization of secondary minerals during the late-stage tectono-magmatic development of the Antarctic rifted margin. The occurrence of rare MORB- and OIB-like magma types in Vestfjella and along the African and Antarctic rifted margins suggests melting of geochemically variable depleted and enriched sublithospheric mantle beneath the Africa–Antarctica rift zone. Our models for the Vestfjella dyke swarm indicate that the voluminous lithosphere-affinity low-Ti and high-Ti rift-assemblage tholeiites could have been derived from MORB-like parental magmas by contamination, which implies sublithospheric depleted mantle as the principal source of the CFB magmas of the Africa–Antarctica rift zone.

Subduction-modified oceanic crust mixed with a depleted mantle reservoir in the sources of the Karoo continental flood basalt province

The great majority of continental flood basalts (CFBs) have a marked lithospheric geochemical signature, suggesting derivation from the continental lithosphere, or contamination by it. Here we present new Pb and Os isotopic data and review previously published major element, trace element, mineral chemical, and Sr and Nd isotopic data for geochemically unusual mafic and ultramafic dikes located in the Antarctic segment (Ahlmannryggen, western Dronning Maud Land) of the Karoo CFB province. Some of the dikes show evidence of minor contamination with continental crust, but the least contaminated dikes exhibit depleted mantle – like initial εNd (+9) and 187Os/188Os (0.1244–0.1251) at 180 Ma. In contrast, their initial Sr and Pb isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sr=0.7035–0.7062, 206Pb/204Pb=18.2–18.4, 207Pb/204Pb=15.49–15.52, 208Pb/204Pb=37.7–37.9 at 180 Ma) are more enriched than expected for depleted mantle, and the major element and mineral chemical evidence indicate contribution from (recycled) pyroxenite sources. Our Sr, Nd, Pb, and Os isotopic and trace element modeling indicate mixed peridotite–pyroxenite sources that contain ∼10–30% of seawater-altered and subduction-modified MORB with a recycling age of less than 1.0 Ga entrained in a depleted Os-rich peridotite matrix. Such a source would explain the unusual combination of elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr and Pb isotopic ratios and relative depletion in LILE, U, Th, Pb and LREE, high initial εNd, and low initial 187Os/188Os. Although the sources of the dikes probably did not play a major part in the generation of the Karoo CFBs in general, different kind of recycled source components (e.g., sediment-influenced) would be more difficult to distinguish from lithospheric CFB geochemical signatures. In addition to underlying continental lithosphere, the involvement of recycled sources in causing the apparent lithospheric geochemical affinity of CFBs should thus be carefully assessed in every case.

Mixed pyroxenite–peridotite sources for mafic and ultramafic dikes from the Antarctic segment of the Karoo continental flood basalt province

Primitive rocks that are related to continental flood basalts are rare, but often reveal crucial information on the ultimate sources of these huge outpourings of mantle-derived magma. Here we present mineral chemical data for mafic and ultramafic dikes from the Antarctic extension of the Jurassic (~180Ma) Karoo continental flood basalt province that was emplaced during the initial stages of the breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent. We concentrate on two previously recognized high-Ti dike rock suites (Group 3 and Group 4) that exhibit high MgO contents (up to 22wt.%). Both groups are characterized by Mg-rich olivine phenocrysts (up to Fo90) that are not mantle xenocrysts and indicate derivation from relatively Mg-rich parental magmas. Orthopyroxene is a common phenocryst and groundmass phase indicating emplacement at mid-crustal pressures (2–5kbar; depth of ~10–20km). The parental magmas of Group 3 and Group 4 dikes can be associated with pyroxenite sources on the basis of high olivine NiO, high whole-rock Zn/Fe, and low whole-rock CaO. In the case of Group 3 dikes, however, the samples that contain the most Mg-rich olivine also exhibit the mildest pyroxenite fingerprint and indications of an additional olivine-bearing (peridotitic) source component. We propose that the pyroxenite fingerprint of Group 3 and Group 4 dikes reflects relatively low-degree melting of fertile mantle at high pressures beneath the thick and cold Gondwanan lithosphere. Such conditions limited high-degree melting of peridotite sources which may have been more predominant in the generation of the Karoo low-Ti basalts within lithospheric thinning zones.

Isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, and Os) composition of highly magnesian dikes of Vestfjella, western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica: A key to the origins of the Jurassic Karoo large igneous province?

There is a substantial debate on the mantle sources and ultimate origins of continental flood basalts (CFBs), e.g., whether they are related to deep-seated thermal upwellings (i.e. mantle plumes) in the upper mantle or not. Here we present high-precision isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, and Os) whole-rock data on some primitive dike rocks (ferropicrites, meimechites, picrobasalts, and basalts) associated with the Antarctic extension of the Jurassic (~ 180 Ma) Karoo CFB province. The isotopic data together with previously published trace element data show that the parental melts of the studied rocks sampled two distinctive geochemical reservoirs in the deep sub-Gondwanan mantle. The isotopic signatures of the relatively depleted types show evidence of extensive melt extraction in the past and are indistinguishable from those of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs) of the SW Indian Ridge. On the other hand, the relatively enriched type isotopically resembles modern oceanic island basalts (OIBs) and may sample pyroxenitic sources either formed by melt infiltration in the upper mantle or by reaction of peridotite with recycled oceanic crustal components (with up to 15% of sediment material). The depleted types have previously been associated with anomalously hot mantle sources (> 1600 °C) and mantle plumes, but their MORB-like isotope compositions are unusual for plume-derived rocks. Instead, our findings are more concordant with a recent model [Coltice, N., Bertrand, H., Rey, P., Jourdan, F., Phillips, B.R., Ricard, Y., 2009. Global warming of the mantle beneath continents back to the Archean. Gondwana Research 15, 254–266] that suggests the generation of the Karoo CFBs in an extensive melting episode caused by internal heating of the upper mantle beneath the Gondwana supercontinent.

Björnnutane and Sembberget basalt lavas and the geochemical provinciality of Karoo magmatism in western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

Geochemical provinciality of the Karoo continental flood basalt (CFB) province is complicated by the great diversity of magma types. Our geochemical and Nd and Sr isotopic data indicate derivation of Karoo-related low-Ti CFBs of Björnnutane and Sembberget, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, from different magma plumbing systems that were typified by generation of magma subtypes largely by variable degrees of fractional crystallization and crustal contamination. We associate these plumbing systems with different mantle sources and propose that the Karoo CFBs of Dronning Maud Land can be grouped into two provinces derived from these sources. The Grunehogna province magmas include high-Ti and some low-Ti magma types, have high (Sm/Yb) N (> 2), are enriched in Sr and Eu, and show wide range of initial εNd (+ 9 to − 16). Grunehogna province magmas dominate at Björnnutane, Vestfjella, and Ahlmannryggen. The Maud province magmas show low-Ti affinity, have low (Sm/Yb) N (< 2), lack Sr and Eu enrichment, and have relatively narrow range of initial εNd (+ 3 to − 4). Maud province magmas are restricted to Sembberget, Kirwanveggen and the Utpostane gabbros in Vestfjella. The enrichment of Sr and Eu and the depletion of heavy rare earth elements in Grunehogna province magmas, and, specifically, geochemical indications of recycled oceanic crust in the least-contaminated high-Ti and low-Ti basalts and picrites lend support to a recycled source component. Grunehogna magmas are ascribed to partial melting of eclogite-bearing asthenospheric mantle source at depth below the Grunehogna craton and contamination of the magmas with lithospheric mantle (high-Ti types) and crust (low-Ti types). The Maud province magmas can be ascribed to relatively low-pressure partial melting probably of a lithospheric mantle source within the zone of rifted lithosphere associated with the Weddell triple junction and lateral flow of magmas to present outcrops overlying thick Maud Belt lithosphere. Geochemical comparison with Karoo CFBs in southern Africa implies a broadly similar division between the high-Ti and low-Ti magma types associated with the Limpopo structure and the low-Ti magma types of the Central Area and Botswana.

Major and Trace Element and Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb Isotope Compositions of the Karoo Large Igneous Province, Botswana–Zimbabwe: Lithosphere vs Mantle Plume Contribution

We report major and trace element abundances for 147 samples and Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb isotope compositions for a 36 sample subset of basaltic lava flows, sills, and dykes from the Karoo continental flood basalt (CFB) province in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa. Both low- and high-Ti (TiO2 < 2 wt % and > 2 wt %) rocks are included. MELTS modeling shows that these magmas evolved at low pressure (1 kbar) through fractional crystallization of gabbroic assemblages. Whereas both groups display enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy REE (HREE) and high field strength elements, and systematic negative Nb anomalies, they differ in terms of contrasting middle REE (MREE) to HREE fractionation, which is greater for the high-Ti basalts. This reflects different depths of melting of slightly enriched mantle sources: calculations suggest that the low-Ti basalts were generated by melting of a shallow spinel-bearing (2 % spinel) lherzolite, whereas the high-Ti magmas originated from a deeper-seated garnet-bearing (2–7% garnet) lherzolite. In most isotope plots, the high-Ti lavas together with the picrites define a common trend from Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) to compositions with strongly negative ɛNdi and ɛHfi akin to those of some nephelinites and lamproites. The low-Ti rocks are shifted from BSE-like to more radiogenic Sr isotope ratios, indicative of upper crustal contamination. Trace element and isotope characteristics of the Karoo magmas require a combination of enrichment processes (subduction induced?) and long-term isolation of the mantle sources. We propose two distinct scenarios to explain the origin of the Karoo province. The first calls for polybaric melting of spatially heterogeneous, partially veined, sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Calculations show that mixing between SCLM (∼BSE) and a strongly Nd–Hf unradiogenic nephelinite-like component (sediment input?) could account for the compositional variations of most of the high-Ti group lavas, whereas the mantle composition responsible for the low-Ti magmas is more likely to be similar to a vein-free, metasomatically enriched SCLM component. The second scenario involves mixing between two end-members represented by the SCLM and its deep-seated alkalic veins and a sub-lithospheric (asthenospheric- or ocean island basalt-like?) mantle plume. In this case, the data are compatible with an increasing mantle plume contribution as the plume rises and expands through the lithosphere. Regardless of which of the two scenarios is invoked, the spatial distribution of the low- and high-Ti magmas matches the relative positioning of the cratons and the Limpopo belt in such a way that strong control of the lithosphere on magma composition and distribution is a mandatory requirement of any petrogenetic model applied to the Karoo CFB.

Basement control on dyke distribution in Large Igneous Provinces: Case study of the Karoo triple junction

Continental flood basalts consist of vast quantities of lava, sills and giant dyke swarms that are associated with continental break-up. The commonly radiating geometry of dyke swarms in these provinces is generally interpreted as the result of the stress regime that affected the lithosphere during the initial stage of continental break-up or as the result of plume impact. On the other hand, structures in the basement may also control dyke orientations, though such control has not previously been documented. In order to test the role of pre-dyke structures, we investigated four major putative Karoo-aged dyke swarms that taken together represent a giant radiating dyke swarm (the so-called “triple-junction”) ascribed to the Jurassic Karoo continental flood basalt (> 3 × 106 km2; southern Africa). One of the best tests to discriminate between neoformed and inherited dyke orientation is to detect Precambrian dykes in the Jurassic swarms. Accordingly, we efficiently distinguished between Jurassic and Precambrian dykes using abbreviated low resolution, 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating schedules.

The Karoo triple junction questioned: evidence from Jurassic and Proterozoic 40Ar/ 39Ar ages and geochemistry of the giant Okavango dyke swarm (Botswana)

The lower Jurassic Karoo–Ferrar magmatism represents one of the most important Phanerozoic continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces. The Karoo CFB province is dominated by tholeiitic traps and apparently radiating giant dyke swarms covering altogether ca. 3×10 6 km 2. This study focuses on the giant N110°-trending Okavango dyke swarm (ODS) stretching over 1500 km across Botswana. This dyke swarm represents the main (failed) arm of the so-called Karoo triple junction that is generally considered as a key marker of the impingement of the Karoo starting mantle plume head. ODS dolerites yield six new plagioclase 40Ar/ 39Ar plateau (and miniplateau) ages ranging from 178.7±0.7 and 180.9±1.3 Ma. The distribution of the ages along a narrow Gaussian curve suggests a short period of magmatic activity centered around 179 Ma, i.e., ∼5 Ma younger than the emplacement age of Karoo mafic magmas in the southern part of the Karoo CFB province (∼184). This age difference indicates that Karoo magmatism does not represent a short-lived event as is generally the case for most CFB but lasted at least 5 Ma over the whole province. In addition, small clusters of plagioclase separated from 28 other dykes and measured by “speedy” step-heating experiments (with mostly two to three steps), gave either “Karoo” or Proterozoic ages. Integrated ages of the Proterozoic rocks range from 851±6 to 1672±7 Ma, and one plateau age (959.1±4.6 Ma) and one possibly geologically significant weighted-mean age (982.7±4.0 Ma) were obtained. Proterozoic and Karoo mafic rocks are petrographically similar, but Proterozoic dykes display clear geochemical differences (e.g., TiO 2<2.1%) with the Karoo high-Ti ODS (TiO 2>2.1%). Geochemical data combined with available Ar/Ar dates allow the identification of the two groups within a total set of 77 dykes investigated: ∼10% of the bulk ODS dykes are Proterozoic. Thus, the Jurassic Karoo ODS dykes were emplaced along reactivated Proterozoic structures and there is no pristine Jurassic Nuanetsi triple junction as commonly proposed. This throws into doubt the validity of the “active plume head” Karoo CFB rift models as being responsible for the observed “triple junction” dyke geometry.

The Karoo triple junction questioned: evidence from Jurassic and Proterozoic 40Ar/39Ar ages and geochemistry of the giant Okavango dyke swarm (Botswana)*1

The lower Jurassic Karoo–Ferrar magmatism represents one of the most important Phanerozoic continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces. The Karoo CFB province is dominated by tholeiitic traps and apparently radiating giant dyke swarms covering altogether ca. 3×10 6 km 2 . This study focuses on the giant N110°-trending Okavango dyke swarm (ODS) stretching over 1500 km across Botswana. This dyke swarm represents the main (failed) arm of the so-called Karoo triple junction that is generally considered as a key marker of the impingement of the Karoo starting mantle plume head. ODS dolerites yield six new plagioclase 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau (and miniplateau) ages ranging from 178.7±0.7 and 180.9±1.3 Ma. The distribution of the ages along a narrow Gaussian curve suggests a short period of magmatic activity centered around 179 Ma, i.e., ∼5 Ma younger than the emplacement age of Karoo mafic magmas in the southern part of the Karoo CFB province (∼184). This age difference indicates that Karoo magmatism does not represent a short-lived event as is generally the case for most CFB but lasted at least 5 Ma over the whole province. In addition, small clusters of plagioclase separated from 28 other dykes and measured by “speedy” step-heating experiments (with mostly two to three steps), gave either “Karoo” or Proterozoic ages. Integrated ages of the Proterozoic rocks range from 851±6 to 1672±7 Ma, and one plateau age (959.1±4.6 Ma) and one possibly geologically significant weighted-mean age (982.7±4.0 Ma) were obtained. Proterozoic and Karoo mafic rocks are petrographically similar, but Proterozoic dykes display clear geochemical differences (e.g., TiO 2 <2.1%) with the Karoo high-Ti ODS (TiO 2 >2.1%). Geochemical data combined with available Ar/Ar dates allow the identification of the two groups within a total set of 77 dykes investigated: ∼10% of the bulk ODS dykes are Proterozoic. Thus, the Jurassic Karoo ODS dykes were emplaced along reactivated Proterozoic structures and there is no pristine Jurassic Nuanetsi triple junction as commonly proposed. This throws into doubt the validity of the “active plume head” Karoo CFB rift models as being responsible for the observed “triple junction” dyke geometry.

Age and geochemistry of Karoo dolerite dykes from northeast Botswana

The Botswana Dyke Swarm is a prominent 800 km long and 100 km wide feature on aeromagnetic maps of southern Africa, but little has been published on its exact age or geochemical composition. New age, trace element and isotope data for this dyke swarm show that is magmatism is indistinguishable from Karoo continental flood basalts. Ar/Ar dating gives an age of 178.9 ± 1.4 Ma. Both high Ti-Zr and low Ti-Zr dolerites occur, but the high Ti-Zr rocks appear to be the dominant type of magmatism. Low Ti-Zr mafic rocks have isotopic and trace element characteristics similar to a combination of a normal mid-ocean ridge basalt source with sedimentary and fluid-enriched components, which are thought to reside in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle. A lithospheric component seen in the high Ti-Zr mafic rocks is similar to that in nephelinites from Zimbabwe.